Numbers

• The Bible commonly uses specific numbers in a meaningful way. For example, the number seven denotes spiritual perfection. This is seen throughout the Bible. God created the earth in seven days, the book of Revelation contains seven trumpets, seven lamp stands and seven seals, and God gave a seven-fold blessing to Abraham. The number three is also significant and denotes unity. This can be seen in the three persons of the Godhead. Some denominations put more emphasis on the significance of numbers than others. Barnabas Ministries is an interdenominational ministry that believes in the significance of numbers and symbols, and emphasizes the current fulfillment of prophecy. Barnabas Ministries believes that numbers can also have bad connotations, such as the number six. It stands for fallen humanity, hence the number "666." It is the number of the beast that is described in Revelation 13:17-18.
  
  

Names

• Names commonly have great significance throughout the Bible. This can be seen in the way in which the Hebrews named their children, as well as the names God gave people. For example, God changed Jacob's name to Israel, which means he "strives with God." Names were highly significant to the Jewish people; in fact, God's names were very special and intentional. Yahweh denotes life and self-existence, while El-Shaddai denotes power and provision.
  
  

Bread and Wine

• The bread and the wine of the New Testament have a less-veiled significance than most biblical signs and symbols, because Jesus Christ explained them to the 12 disciples. The bread represents the body of Jesus, which was offered up for a sacrifice for sins, and the blood represents the blood of Jesus, which was poured out for all of mankind. The bread and wine are used today in Holy Community, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist.
  
  

The Cross

• The cross is the primary symbol of Christianity. Roman soldiers crucified Jesus Christ on a cross; it was in this way that Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose again, Christians believe. As a result, crosses hang in virtually every Christian church, symbolizing what Jesus did for the whole world. Although the cross originally meant execution, today it is a symbol of hope, peace and salvation to Christians.